Australia’s first Holiday Inn Express and Suites property opened on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on Thursday, with business leaders joined by Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Mark Jamieson, and local Councillor, Peter Cox, for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A joint partnership between Pro-invest Hotels and IHG Hotels and Resorts, the new-build property features a combination of suite style rooms alongside regular hotel rooms – a first for the Holiday Inn Express brand in Australia.
“With tourism volumes increasing weekly, we’re thrilled to have officially opened our doors in one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations,” said Pro-invest Group CEO and Deputy Chair, Jan Smits.
“This is the first ‘Suite’ product for the Holiday Inn Express brand, and we’re delighted to be delivering this offering for our guests.
“From the outset we knew that the unique combination of contemporary design, flexible functionality and amenity, and value for money that is the hallmark of the Holiday Inn Express brand would be attractive in this market.”
The 181-room hotel Holiday Inn Express and Suites Sunshine Coast includes 41 one-bedroom suites complete with kitchenette, small living area with sofa bed and pod coffee machines. The standard rooms also feature study nooks, premium bedding, while all guests can avail of the brand’s signature Express Recharge concept which includes a pillow menu, black-out blinds and a walk-in power shower.
Mayor Jamieson said the opening marks another important milestone for the region’s emerging central business district and the Sunshine Coast.
“This hotel is an important part of the growing Maroochydore City Centre precinct and its completion comes at a time when we are enjoying the return of domestic and international travellers after a very challenging few years,” he said.
“The Holiday Inn Express and Suites will continue to provide a boost to our economy as our region remains firmly in the spotlight as a prime location for leisure travellers and for businesses to establish, relocate or expand.”
Sustainability is a key focus for the hotel which features energy efficient equipment and systems and low-flow water appliances installed in all guestrooms. The property is targeting a high NABERS Energy and NABERS Water rating.
As part of IHG’s A Greener Stay initiative, guests can also opt out of housekeeping services when they stay two nights or more to reduce their environmental impact.